Sign in or create a free account to get FREE SHIPPING and DISCOUNTS

Preparing for Law School?

Preparing for Law School? random
SHARE

Are you preparing for law school but feeling overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead? The beginning of law school can be a bit daunting, and you're not alone in this feeling. At Aspen, we’ve been through this with thousands of students so we can help! There are many resources available to help you navigate this new and exciting chapter of your academic journey.

Some common feedback we've received includes: it's unlike any school you've experienced before! You'll need to familiarize yourself with many new terms, engage in extensive case reading and briefing, and learn to write in a new legalese style. Additionally, the Socratic Method of teaching, which is new to most students, adds a unique aspect to the learning process.

You’re probably also considering that your first year of law school is what could potentially determine your path in your law career. Coveting that big-firm internship? Surprise! They will make a hiring decision mainly based on who is at the top of their class during the 1L year… and most classes use a bell-curve grading system.

It's true that your first year of law school is important, but don't let that intimidate you. With the right resources and a strong work ethic, you can excel in your classes and position yourself for success in your legal career. So don't be discouraged - you've got this, and we will help you every step along the way!

What will you learn in your first year of Law School?

The Socratic Method


Law school is also known for its use of the Socratic Method, a teaching strategy that involves asking students a series of questions to test their understanding of legal concepts. It can be intimating at first, but the best way to combat this is to come to class having read all of the assigned material. If you aren’t quite understanding some topics or cases that were assigned, you can reach out to the TA, visit a professor during office hours, or pick up a study guide that explains the topics in everyday English. Many schools even subscribe to our Aspen Learning Library, so you don’t need to purchase each title separately! When you begin the semester, ask your librarian if you have access to the Aspen Learning Library at your school.

How to prepare now:


There are a few titles that provide practice questions and exercises that mimic the Socratic Method. These titles help by:
  • Providing practice in problem solving within a legal context
  • Presenting many examples of real-life cases and legal documents to analyze
  • Teaching how to translate legal language into your own words for better understanding
  • Offering sample Socratic dialogues to increase familiarity with the technique
  • Giving tips on what to do and what not to do when preparing for classes
 random
Strategies & Tactics for the First Year Law Student
Maximize Your Grades
 random
What Every Law Student Really Needs to Know
An Introduction to the Study of Law
 random
Open Book: The Inside Track to Law School Success
Second Edition

Reading and Writing Like a Lawyer


One of the most important skills you’ll develop as a law student is the ability to read and write like a lawyer. This involves learning how to read legal documents, such as cases and statutes, and how to write legal memoranda and briefs.

How to prepare now:


Get familiar with these skills! Learn now how to read and analyze legal texts, how to write clear and concise legal documents, and how to use legal terminology effectively. These titles help by:
  • Explaining how to read & brief case opinions
  • Learning IRAC. IRAC is a method of legal analysis that stands for Issue, Rule, Analysis, and Conclusion. This method is used by lawyers and law students to analyze legal issues and make arguments in legal documents.
  • Using real-life cases as a framework for exploring the steps involved in analyzing the law and the approach used from start to end of the case.
 random
Law School and Exams
Preparing and Writing to Win
 random
Strategies & Tactics for the First Year Law Student
Maximize Your Grades
 random
What Every Law Student Really Needs to Know
An Introduction to the Study of Law
 random
Open Book: The Inside Track to Law School Success
Second Edition

Understanding the Basics of the US Legal System


During law school, you’ll learn the ins-and-outs of the U.S. legal system and complete an in-depth case study. If you don’t yet have a good understanding of how the system works as a whole, you still have plenty of time to read up on it!

How to prepare now:


Learn about the legal system at a high-level now so you can understand how each part fits into it during law school. These titles help by:
  • Providing a walkthrough of what lawyers do
  • Giving a broad overview of the U.S. legal system
  • Discussing possible career opportunities in legal practice
  • Explaining how to read & apply the facts of a case
  • Providing sample excerpts from actual legal cases and legal documents
 random
Whose Monet? An Introduction to the American Legal System
Second Edition
 random
A Primer on Law School and the U.S. Legal System
Beasties v. Monster

Preparing for Exams in Law School

Exams in law school are notoriously challenging, and students must prepare thoroughly if they want to succeed. There are lots of tips and strategies when preparing for exams, including how to outline legal concepts, how to review and memorize legal rules, and how to approach multiple-choice and essay questions.

But try not to worry about the exams yet. You have a few months of learning and practice before then!

 random
Strategies & Tactics for the First Year Law Student
Maximize Your Grades
 random
Law School and Exams
Preparing and Writing to Win

The most important thing to remember when preparing for law school is that if you put in the work and come to class prepared, you give yourself the opportunity to excel! Use all the study tools you can find – TAs, Academic Success staff,  flashcards, study guides, study groups, highlighting and notes, and outlining. We understand how you're investing time and money for your schooling. We're here to help so you can go to class ready to participate!

Other Resources

 random
JD-Next
 random
Academic Success Titles
 random
Time-Saving Tips
 random
Study Guides